Rigid building frame with inflatable member
OwnerNorman A. Boyceinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention describes a method of constructing a building involving the assembly of a rigid skeletal framework of struts defining the contours of the desired building which is for example domed, or part-barrel shaped. A membrane or envelope of plastics material is inflated within the framework to lift the struts from a state of compression under their own weight into a state of tension. The membrane is then coated on at least one side with settable material such as concrete or other glass fibre reinforced material and the membrane deflated when the material has set. In an example of the invention, support zones at the junctions of the struts support the set material.
Claims10
A method of building construction comprising the steps of (a) erecting a rigid skeletal framework of struts or tubular members to define the contours of the desired building, and securing the struts or members together at appropriate intersections thereof to form support zones, (b) providing within said framework an air-impervious membrane so as to provide an airtight envelope, (c) inflating said envelope within said framework at sufficient pressure to take said framework from an as-assembled state of component compression between the struts or members to a state in which there is tension between the components, (d) coating the external surface of said inflated membrane with settable material, and (e) returning the air pressure within the envelope to normal thereby permitting the struts or members to return to a non-tensioned state and detach from the newly set material, said material being arranged to remain in contact with support zones situated at the intersection of the struts or members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.